Grief Support

We are all unique individuals. We may grieve in different ways. Some people will be very open and expressive with their grief, while others will be more stoic and internalize their pain. Both ways are perfectly healthy….as long as each individual is respected in terms of their style of coping and as long as each person finds a way to release their pain. Some people will release their pain verbally and through tears, others will release their pain through their actions/activity. Find what works for you!

Our bereavement services are available to anyone who has experienced a death, no matter what the relationship or how long ago the death occurred. We offer short term individual counseling to adults, teens, and children—individuals, couples, and families. Grief education and support through one-on-one counseling, support groups, workshops and services.

For more information about our Bereavement Services, please call us at 301-791-6360 or stop by at 747 Northern Avenue Hagerstown, MD 21742

Bereavement Team

Cathy Campbell, LCPC, CT

Manager of Bereavement Services

Support Groups

All services are offered to anyone in the community. To learn more or participate, please call our Bereavement Services Department at 301-791-6360 or click this link – http://hospiceofwc.org/contact-us/for a counselor to contact you.

On-Going Groups…

Hearts of Hope–Available to any adult who has experienced loss related to a death of a loved one regardless of the relationship, cause of death, or when the death occurred. This group provides a safe place where group members can share their stories and express their grief. Offered on the 1st and 3rd Monday of each month from 10:30 am-12:00 and on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month from 5:30-7:00 pm. Drop in anytime!

Closed Groups…

Teen Grief Group

Life can be difficult enough, but add to that the fact that your teen may be grieving the death of a loved one, and you can see the complexities of teen grief. We are creating a safe place for teens between the ages of 14-18 to come together to share their stories and express their thoughts and emotions.

Held on 6 consecutive Tuesdays, from June 19 to July 24, 2:00-3:30 pm. Please call to reserve your spot!!

Overdose Loss Support Group – Sept. 5-Oct. 10, 5:30-7:00 pm

Experiencing the death of a loved one can be one of the most painful experiences we will ever have to endure. When that loved one dies suddenly and due to an overdose, the pain can become excruciating.

Many mixed feelings may be felt….including the feeling that no one could possibly understand. The harsh reality, though, is that there are others who have a sense of what this pain is like. Won’t you please join us for a time of support, sharing, and education?

Please RSVP to Cathy Campbell at 301-791-6360 x156 to cmcampbell@hospiceofwc.org.

UPCOMING EVENTS…

Cooking for One Workshop – June 27, 5:30-7:00 pm

A meal-planning, recipe-sharing workshop for adults who are grieving and try to incorporate easy, healthy meals into their day.

Camp Hope N Cope will be held on August 18 at the Mt. Aetna Retreat Center in Hagerstown. The camp is designed for children between the ages of 6-13 who have experienced the death of a loved one or significant life loss.

The day camp is a time of learning, remembering, healing, sharing, laughter, and love. Both children and adults come away from camp feeling enriched, with a sense of affirmation and belonging, and a sense of community. Throughout the day, children learn coping skills and how to verbalize their feelings. In addition, MANY recreational activities held throughout the day, which makes this a special time of fun and friendship.

To apply, please contact the HWC Bereavement Program at 301-791-6360 to request an application. Applications are due July 27. We ask that Parents/Guardians bring the children who have applied/been accepted to a meeting on August 1 from 6:00-8:00 pm.

Remembrance Service brings together HWC staff and patient families to remember and honor the memory of loved ones who have died during the past year.

Grief Support for Children – HWC Grief Counselors collaborate with School Counselors to support children who are grieving. Children/Teens are given the necessary tools to assist them in identifying their symptoms of grief and helping them to process their emotions, using healthy coping techniques. Services for children can be provided, with parent/guardian permission, in the home or in the school and offered in individual and/or group sessions.

Camp Hope and Cope is a special camp designed for grieving children who have experienced the death of a loved one, or any permanent loss in their lives. The camp provides a fun, educational and safe environment for children ages 6-13 to talk to one another and to learn effective, practical skills for managing their loss. Camp activities include: Age Specific Group Activities; Swimming—Hiking –Games; Professional Story Telling; Music; Crafts and a Memorial Ceremony. We are always looking for interested campers and adult volunteers. Volunteers (adults over the age of 18) act as “Big Buddies” to the campers, being a friend and helping them process their emotions. All training needed is provided by HWC Camp staff. For more information, volunteer or camper applications, please contact The Bereavement Department at 301-791-6360.

Visit http://hospiceofwc.org/resources/ for helpful handouts and information for adults and children. For referral information, please contact Hospice of Washington County Bereavement Services Department by calling 301-791-6360.